Sparking igniter.



L. H. WATTLES.

SPARKING IGNITER.

APPLICATION FILED DEG.3,1910.

1 ,024,7 1 O. Patented Apr. 30, 1912.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1 [rwen zar M L. H. WATTLBS.

SPARKING IGNITER.

APPLIOATION FILED DEG. 3, 1910.

1,024,710. Patented Apr. 30, 1912.

invent or H L. H. WATTLES. SPARKING IGNITER. APPLIOATIOK FILED 11120.3, 1910.

Patented Apr. 30, 1912.

3 BHEETSSHEET 3.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

LUTHER H. WATTLES, 0F PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO MATIE C. MESSLEE, OF PAW'IUCKET, RHODE ISLAND.

SPARKING- IGNITER.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 30, 1912.

Providence. in the county of Providence and State of Rhode Island, have invented cer' tam new and useful Improvements in Sparking Ignitcrs, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to sparking ignition devices for internal combustion engines.

A device of the same general character is shown in my prior Patent No. 909,264 '15- sued Jan. 12, 1909, wherein a sparking current is generated by the unignited compressed engine charge and in my patent of May 2, 1911, No. 990,935.

The primary objects of my present invention are to produce a device particularly adapted for facile mounting upon any engine; to reduce such a device to a minimum of constituent parts, and render the same capable of easy manufacture; to increase speed of operation; to reduce the amount of magnetism necessary to generate a spark; and to reduce the danger incident when starting the engine to the initial expansion of the engine charge.

Other objects will be hereinafter set forth.

To the above ends primarily my invention consists in the novel construction, combination, arrangement, and operation of parts set forth in and falling within the scope of the claims hereto appended.

In the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters indicate like parts throughout the views,-Figure 1 is an end elevation of my move!- device mounted in the side of an engine cylinder provided with a usual valve operating-mechanism, Figs. 2 and 3 plan and side elevations respectively of the device, Fig. 1, a section of the same on line on of Fig. 3, Figs. 5, and 6, sections respectively on lines 6?) of Fig. 1, and cc of Fig. 3, Fig. -7, a section on line dd of Fig. 6, and Fig. 8, a side elevation of an upright four cycle internal combustion engine equipped with my device.

In the embodiment of my invention herein shown the engine comprises the usual cylinder or casting 1, exhaust valve 2, crank shaft 3, fly wheel 4; and the usual valve operating mechanism consisting of valve lever 6, valve connecting rod 7, cam lever 8, stud l0, cam roll 11, cam lever spring 12, cam 13 integral with driven gear 14 loose on stud '15, driving gear 16, bell crank lever 17 upon its stud 18, connecting bell crank lever 19 pivoted on stud 20 and whose forked arm 21 engages lever 17, and whose ther arm 22 is connected with the sliding sleeve 23 con trolled by the fly wheel governor 35. In connection with these fainiliar parts my novel device will be sct'forth. This comprises a plug represented in a general way by 27 and consisting in the present instance of a body portion 28 provided upon its innor end with a cavity 29 over which is a plate 30 fixed by bolts 31 to the body and provided with an extension 32 exteriorly threaded as and pentrally bored as at 31. The extension 32 enters a. threaded opening 35 in the cylinder casting 1 with its end exposed to the compression area of the combustion chamber 36.

The body 28 is longitudinally bored to form a piston chamber 39. Fixed within the body 28 and insulated therefrom is an electrode 41, and rotatably movable in the plug is the grounded electrode 42 having upon its end a contact arm 43 within the cavity 30 adapted to normally contact with the end 44 of the electrode 41. Iptegral with or fixed to the outer end of the'electrode 42 is a lateral finger 46. A spring 17 surrounding the last mentioned electrode has its ends fixed in the finger and inthe body respectively, which normally retains the arm 43 in contact with the electrode end 44. Mounted in the chamber 29'is a piston integral with or attached to which isan angular arm 51 upon whose horizontal portion 52 is fixed 'a plate 53 provided with a lateral cam face 54. Upon the bottom of the portion 5:2 of the arm is a pin or cam roll 56 moving in a spiral or inclined groove 58 in the body of the plug. The finger 46 is in the path of the plate 53 and is laterally moved thereby when the latter advanced along the groove 58 and slidably contacts with said finger. Integral with the arm 51 or with the plate 53 is a lug 60 provided with a perforation 61 through which passes loosely the end of a rod 63 which will be hereinafter described.

Fixed by screws 65 or otherwise to the body 27 are sup orting plates or arms so carrying upon tli eir outer ends a ring 67 fixed by screws 68 or otherw to the pole pieces 70 of a magneto provided with oppositely disposed horseshoe magnets 72. Fixed by screws 71 to the outer end of the pole pieces 70 is the flange T5 of a cylindrical housing T6 which serves as a dash 0t comprising a side wall 77 and end wall 8. The side wall is provided with a vent 79 and with a slot 80. The end wall is provided with the usual intake and exhaust passages 81 and 82 respectively. Screws 84 and 85 in the end wall control the exhaust.

The armature 86 comprises the usual core 87 and winding 88. The armature may be fixed to the lston in any convenient manner. In 1318 present instance the inner head plate 90 is fixed by screws 91 to core 87 and has riveted therein the end of piston 50. To the outer end of the armature is fixed by screws 93 or otherwise a circular disk or end plate 94 of the same diameter as the armature and slidable with the armature in the housing 7 6.

One terminal 96 of the winding 88 is grounded in the plate 94 or in the core, while the other terminal 97 is fixed to a contact plate 98 fixed to the head plate 90 by screws 99, and insulated therefrom by a strip 100 of insulating material. A second contact plate 101 engages the first plate and is fixed to the end of the electrode 44, thus completing the circuit through the sparking finger 43. a

The piston and armature are outwardly impelled by the engine charge, but these parts are returned by the following device.

' The rod 63 is fixed intermediate its length in a block 103 swiveled by a pin 104 to a in 106 on the housing 76. Slidably mounte upon rod 63 is a yoke 108 which is longitudinally adjustable by means of a thumb nut 109 upon the threaded end 110 of the rod 63. A helical spring 111 surrounding this rod has one end abutting against the yoke and its other end pressing against the lug 60. A binding screw 112 locks the nut 109 in adjusted position.

A piston or armature locking member comprises an offset flat head 113 and a shank or handle 114. This member is eccentrically mounted upon a pivot 115, in the side wall of the housing 76 and moves in the slot 80. When the shank 114 is in horizontal position the head 113 projects into the path of the armature and prevents the outward stroke of the latter, but when the shank is depending or in normal position the head is out of the path of the armature.

The locking device may be manually operated or otherwise. In the present instance it is automatically operated by the following mechanism shown in Figs. 1 and 9. A cam 01' segment 116 provided with a strip of leather or similar material 117 upon its face rests upon the face of the fiy wheel 4 and is eccentrically pivoted upon a pin 118 on the end of a lever 119 which is pivoted 55 intermediate its length to an arm 121 fixed to the cylinder casting. A link 122 connects the arm 114 at 123 and to the lever 119 at 124.

My device operates as follows: The unignited com ressed engine charge in the combustion c amber 36 impels the piston 50 with its armature 86 outwardly in a longitudinnldireetion with great force, but combined with the longitudinal movement of the iston and armature is a rotary movement Induced by reason of the movement of the cam roll 56 in the spiral groove 58 whereby the plate and arm 52, both rigid with relation to the piston, imparts a torsional movement to the latter. Hence a combined rectilinear and rotary movement is given the piston and armature it travels outwardly. By virtue of this movement a greater amount of current is generated since the armature is both cutting the lines of force in a curve and cutting a greater number of lines than when the armature merely rotates. The integral or direct union of the piston and armature renders the entire device cornpact and makes a crank arm and connecting rod unnecessary. The described electrical circuit is broken to createa spark in the cavity 29, which communicates with the charge through the opening 34, by the vibration of the electrode 42 which is tripped by plate 56 and returned by the spring 47. The location of the contacts in the cavity in the plug renders the latter compact. The force of the outward stroke of the armature and piston makes it desirable to cushion the former at the end of said stroke, which end is attained by the dash pot 76. For the purpose". of utilizing fully the power 'Qf'f'the charge means is provided for timing the sparking crank. [his consists of the spring 111 Whose tension is increased or diminished by moving the yoke 108 inwardly or outwardly. The described locking device, 113, 114,

relatively to the position of the whereby the movement of the piston and the no creation of a spark is prevented during the initial compression movement of the fly wheel may be manuall or automatically operated. In the latter'case, when the engine is to be started, the wheel 4 is thrown back opposite the direction of the arrow in Fig. 1 to compress the charge, W-lm movement elevates the shank 114 and locks the piston thus. The segment moves rearwardl or partially rotates and elevates the link 122 129 through the arm 119. the parts assuming the position shown in full lines in Fig. 1. The wheel is then forwardly impelled in the direction of the arrow and the armature and piston are thereby released, the described parts returning to their original positions indicated in broken lines in said figures.

The described construction of the plug and armature parts renders the entire struc' ture compact and self contained and adapted 130 to mounting upon an engine cylinder without bearing plates.

hat I claim is V 1. In an electric sparking ignition mechanism, the combination with a spark plug provided with a piston chamber having means for communication with the cylinder, of a piston in the chamber, a generator and an armature in the generator in alinement with and rotatable with the piston, and means for transforming the reciprocating motion of the piston into rotary motion.

:2. In an electric sparking ignition mechanism, the combination with aspark plug provided with a piston chamber having eonnnunication with the cylinder, of a piston in the chamber, a generator, an armature in the generator in alinement with the piston and directly connected therewith, and means to transform the reciprocating motion of the piston into rotary motion.

3. In an electric sparking ignition mechanism, the combination with a spark plug provided with a piston chamber having com municat'ion with the cylinder, of a piston in the chamber. a gent-rater mounted upon the sparking plug, an armature in the generator in alinement with and rigidly connected with the piston and movable in the generator both rotatably and longitudinally, and means to transform the reciprocating motion of the piston into rotary motion.

4. In an electric sparking ignition mechanism. the combination with a spark plug provided with a piston chamber having conimunication with the cylinder, of a piston in the chamber, a generator mounted upon the sparking plug, an armature in the generator in alinement with and rigidly connected with the piston and movable in the generator both rotatably and longitudinally, means to transform the reciprocating motion of the piston into rotary motion, and a dashpot on the generator adapted to receive the end of said armature. I

.3. In an electric sparking ignition mecha nism. the cmnbination with an engine cylinder and an ignition circuit, of an electric generat r in the circuit, a longitudinally reciprocating armature mounted in the generator, means in alincincnt with and rigidly connected to said armature and actuated by the charge of the cylind r for rotating and operating the armature. and means to transform the reciprocating motion of said firstnznncd m ans into rotary motion.

i In an electric sparking ignition mechanism, th combination with an engine cylin tier, of a spark plug provider] with a piston hamber opening into the cylinder and with a groove inclined transversely with relation to the chamber, a generator. an armature in the generator, means for moving said armature bolll longitudinally and rotatably, said means cinlaulying a piston in the chamber fixed to the armature. and actuated by the engine charge, and means upon the piston registering in the groove and cooperating with said piston and-piston chamber tgr imparting a rotary movement to the armature.

'7. In an electric sparking ignition mechanism, the combination with an engine cylinder, of a spark plug provided with a piston chamber opening into the cylinder, a gen erator upon the plug, a rotatable armature in the generator, a piston in the chamber in alinement with and fixed t0 the armature and actuated by the engine charge, means to transform the reciprocating motion of the piston into rotary motion, and pneumatic means upon the generator in the path of the armature for cushioning the generating stroke of the armature.

8. In an electric sparking ignition mecha nism, the combination with a spark plug provided with a piston chamber communieating with the cylinder, and with a groove inclined relatively to the cylinder, of a piston in the chamber, a generator upon the spark plug, an armature mounted in the generator and fixed to the piston, an arm upon the piston, and a pin upon the arm registering in the groove.

9. In an electric sparking ignition mechanism, the combination with an engine cylinder, of a spark plug in the cylinder provided with a piston chamber opening into the cylinder, a piston in the chamber adapted to be impelled by the engine charge, a generator upon the plug, an armature in the generator in alinement with and rigidly fixed to the piston, means embodying said piston and piston chamber for givin the armature a rotary movement, and spring means for returning the armature and the piston to original position.

10. In an electric sparking ignition mechanism, the combination with a spark plug provided with a piston chamber communicating with the cylinder, and with an inclined groove, of a piston in the chamber, a generator upon the spark plug, an arma ture mounted in the generator and [ixed to the piston, an arm upon the piston, a pin upon the arm registering in the groove, a rod pivotally mounted upon the generator and slidably engaging said arm, and a spring upon the rod pressing against the arm.

11. In an electric sparking ignition mechanism, the combination with a spark plug provided with a piston chamber com municating with the cylinder, and with an inclined groove, of a piston in the chamber. a generator upon the spark plug, an armature in the generator fixed to the piston, an arm upon the piston, a pin upon the arm, registering in the groove, a rod pivotally mounted upon the g nerator and slidably engaging the arm, a spring upon the rod pressing against the arm, and means for varying the tension of the spring.

12. In an electric sparking ignition mechanism, the combination with an engine cylinder, a iston chamber communicating with the cylinder, an ignition circuit, and an electric generator having an armature shaft, of a piston rigidly connected with the armature shaft and actuated by the charge in the cylinder, and means for imparting a rotary movement to the piston and armature dur: ing their reciprocation.

13. In an electric sparking ignition mechanism, the combination with an engine cylinder and an ignition circuit, of a spark plug in the cylinder provided with a piston chamber opening into the cylinder and provided with an inclined groove, a generator upon the spark plug, a piston in the piston chamber, an armature mounted in the generator in alinement with and rigidly connected to said piston, an arm upon the iston, a pin upon the arm registering in the groove, a projection upon the arm, a fixed electrode in the plug, a rotatably movable electrode in the plug, means for reciprocating the movable electrode during its rotation, a contact finger upon the second electrode normally in contact with the first electrode, and a second finger upon the second electrode normally extending in the path of said projection, whereby a spark is generated.

14. In an electric sparking ignition mechanism, the combination with an engine cylinder, and an ignition circuit, of a spark plug mounted in said cylinder provided with a piston chamber and with a cavity opening into the piston chamber, a generator upon the spark plug, electrodes in said ignition circuit mounted in said plug, a piston in the chamber in operative connection with the electrodes, an armature in alinement with and rigidly connected to said piston, and means to transform the reciprocating motion of the piston into rotary motion.

15. In an electric sparking ignition sys tern the combination with the engine cylinder, of a spark plug mounted in the cylinder and provided with a piston chamber, a piston in the chamber adapted to be actuated by the charge in the cylinder, a generator mounted on the plug, a dash pot upon the generator provided with a slot disposed transversely of the length of said dash pot, an armature in the generator rotatable with Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by av and fixed to the piston and movable into the dash pot, an armature locking member pivotally mounted in the dash pot comprising a head located in the slot, and a shank upon the head extending outside the dash pot.

16. In an electricsparking ignition mechanism, the combination with the engine cylinder, the fly wheel, and the generator, of a spark plug mounted in the cylinder and provided with a iston chamber, a piston in the chamber a apted to be actuated by the charge in the cylinder, a dash pot upon the enerator, an armature in the generator fixer? to the piston and movable into the dash pot, means to transform the reciprocating motion of the piston into rotary motion, a swinging armature locking member pivotally connected intermediate its length with said dash pot comprising a head movable into the path of the piston and a shank extending from the plug, and means actuated by the fly wheel for actuating the looking member.

17. In an electric sparking ignition mocha nism, the combination with the engine cylinder the fly wheel, the. spark plug, and the generator, of a dash pot upon the generator,

a piston in the plug actuated by the engine charge, an armature fixed to the piston and movable into the dash pot, an armature locking device mounted in the dash pot and movable into and out of the path of the armature, means to transform the reciprocating motion of the piston into rotary motion, an arm upon the cylinder, a lever upon the arm, a'segment upon the lever resting against the fly wheel, and a link connecting said lever and the locking device.

18. In an electric sparking ignition system the combination with the engine cylinder, the dri'ving shaft, and fly wheel, of a spark plug mounted in the cylinder, electrodes moun ed in the plug,'an ignition circuit connecting the electrodes, :1 device for generating the current for the ignition circuit, and means actuated by the fly wheel for temporarilychecking the operation of the electrodes and then releasing the electrodes.

In testimony whereof I have affixed my signature in presence of two witnesses.

LUTHER H. \VATTLES.

\i'itnesses IIUHAHU ll. BuLLows. Grooms H. i\ICI1.\LGIlLIN.

e ing the Commissioner of Patents, 

